GR8 women steal the show

February 27, 2010 13:31 IST

The ninth GR8 Women Achievers Awards felicitated 24 top women achievers for their contribution to their respective professions. The glittering function was held at ITC Grand Maratha on February 26 in Mumbai.

The theme of the event was Anu Ranjan's crusade against female foeticide called Beti. The event, which encourages women's power and achievement every year, saluted the remarkable achievements of the awardees this year also.

Aishwarya was awarded with Gr8 scroll of honour for social service and global recognition. The actress had come with her mother and invited her on stage saying she is the true superwoman and her inspiration to excel in everything she does.

She said, "I am not a raging feminist but a humanist, that is the way I have been raised. People like us whenever we get an opportunity we do our bit for women empowerment."

Shushmita Sen was awarded with Gr8 special mention for supporting a girl child. She too invited her mother on stage and asked her to share the trophy as she was the real woman of substance.

Sushmita said, "My family had always taught me to revere the female energy -- she is called Shakti and has the power to create and nurture. My mother is my Shakti.

Saroj Khan was awarded for dance; she regaled the audience by not giving a victory speech, but by paying a tribute to the women achievers with her trademark whistle.

Asha Parekh won the Golden Laurel and she was delighted to receive the honour. Ruchika Girhotra's friend Aradhana Prakash and Asha Parekh were given a standing ovation by the audience.

Aradhana thanked everyone for the support and said that her fight is not over till the guilty was brought to justice.

The highlight of the evening was a special tribute paid to Anu Ranjan's cause of Beti --contestants from across the country had been invited to send a 45-second video on 'Saving the girl child'.

Of the many participants, the winner was chosen who got a prize money of Rs 1 lakh for his winning message.

The show was anchored by Meghana Malik and Mahii Vij Pushtiee from Sony's Mahii Way, who also interacted with the gathering in between the acts.